This page will give you all the information you need about what is happening in our class, such as PE days, homework, trips, events and the areas that we will be learning about during the term.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Term 3 in Pelicans class.

We are looking forward to another exciting term, with lots to learn and many exciting opportunities to take part in!

English - In our English and Guided Reading lessons, we will be focusing on two key texts, both of which link to our history topic of The Romans. Our fiction text is an exciting adventure story called ‘Escape from Pompeii’ and our non-fiction text is called ‘Boudicca’ and tells us all about the life of the warrior queen. Using these texts for inspiration, we will work towards writing detailed descriptions and informative newspaper reports.

Mathematics - In Maths, we will be moving onto the second part of our multiplication and division unit, with a big focus on times tables facts and their families. This includes the inverse and division facts too, so please do keep up the good work on TTRS! Please also keep practicing on U R Brainy MTC too. Aiming for a score above 20/25. Later in the term, we will move on to a measurement unit 7, learning about how to measure and calculate lengths and perimeters and during the end of the term, we will starting Unit 8 on fractions.

Science - Our unit this term will link closely to our theme on volcanoes. We will be covering the NC objectives of States of Matter, and we will be experimenting with rocks and soils. We will look at what these are and how different types of rocks are formed and how they differ from one another.

History and geography – In history, we will be investigating what life would have been like in Roman towns, with a particular focus on Pompeii to link to our English and also to our geography learning about earthquakes and volcanoes. We will also investigate what life was like in Roman Britain and how this was similar or different to life in Pompeii. With our visiting historian, Jed, coming in to work with us and a planned trip to Lincoln castle for a special Roman day, we are in for an exciting term in our history learning! The children may dress up as a Roman on Wednesday 7th January, but this is entirely optional.

Religion and World Views (RWV) - This term, our focus will be on Islam as we investigate how Muslims worship together and how this helps them to build a sense of community.

Everything that we learned during November’s Mosque trip will link into this terms learning to help us gain a much better understanding of the Islamic faith.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) - Our unit this term is ‘Dreams and Goals’ and will help the children to think about what their own dreams and goals are and how we can overcome obstacles to help ourselves to achieve them.

Computing - In Computing, children will be learning about what the internet is and how information travels between different devices even on the other side of the world.

Spanish - Year 4 pupils will develop their language skills through topics including parts of the body, the family and numbers to 100. This will build upon previous learning and support them in holding simple conversations in Spanish. The year 3 pupils will learn how to tell somebody their name, learn the alphabet in Spanish and practice saying the names of the colours. We also have a special Spanish curriculum day coming up in January to celebrate all things Spanish!

Art – We will used mixed media to creature volcano pictures, linking to our history, geography and English work.

Physical Education (PE) - PE lessons will take place on Thursday this term, children will develop their skills in dodgeball. We will also have swimming lessons every Tuesday. Children should arrive at school in their PE kit on PE days (black jumper or school jumper, PE t-shirt/white t-shirt, and black leggings, joggers, or shorts). Swimming costumes should be worn underneath PE kit, with underwear, towel and goggles brought in a separate bag please. It is important that your child is able to undress and dress independently for swimming sessions, including fastening their own shoes so please practice this with them if they still need some help. Earrings must be removed for PE; newly pierced ears can be covered with plasters for dodgeball, although this can’t be done for swimming.

Learning at Home - We greatly value your support in helping your child continue their learning beyond the classroom. Daily reading at home will significantly improve vocabulary, comprehension, and enjoyment of books. Children should read a variety of texts, and their reading record should be signed each time please. Weekly spellings will also be sent home for your child to practice at your convenience. Please keep signing your child’s reading log so that certificates can be easily issued.

Multiplication Tables - Regular practice of times tables is essential. Please encourage your child to log onto TT Rock Stars frequently and as stated above, U R Brainy MTC regularly in preparation for the government test in June.

As always, please do come and speak to us if there is anything you need to discuss or if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Miss Nichols, Mrs Carpenter and Miss Dynan.